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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced 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 disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."