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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."