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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."