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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."