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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."