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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled 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 Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

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 Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced 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 notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."