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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, 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, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January 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 SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."