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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."