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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began 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 corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."