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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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 is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."