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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

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

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council 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 frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."