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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

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