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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands 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 covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."