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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

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

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."