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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments 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.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration 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 involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."