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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway 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 footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."