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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration 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 involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."