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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify 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 notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."