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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long 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 sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."