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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street 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 Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."