🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."