The Ongoing Issue with Edinburgh's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."