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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon 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 footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body 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 "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."