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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."