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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."