🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."