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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."