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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."