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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled 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 pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."