🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."