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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed 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 scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."