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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."