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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."