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

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework 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 first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."