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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain 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 scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" 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 design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."