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Positioned on 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 George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."