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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."