🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."