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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

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

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."