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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

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

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."