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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."