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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."