Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.
For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.
Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.
Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.
Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.
A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".
What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?
The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.
Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.
Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.
Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.
People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.
Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.
In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".
It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.
An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.
But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.
"We project starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.
"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."
A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.
She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.
She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.
"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."
A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.
They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.
"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."
The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.
She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.
"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."
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