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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."