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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists 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 old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."