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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

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

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."