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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated 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 main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said building work had compelled 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 framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."