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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

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

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."