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

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long 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 footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."