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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, 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 preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."