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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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 £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak 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.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

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

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."