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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer 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.

A lane of traffic and a large section 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 required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

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