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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, 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 remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."