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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed 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 lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."