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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management 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 a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."