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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

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

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" 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 really difficult.

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

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."