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

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."