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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

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 taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been extremely complicated."