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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."