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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."