🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."