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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, 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 reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."