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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group 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 "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."