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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association 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 minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."