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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed 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 build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."