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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, 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 involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."