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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."