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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 scaffolding.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place 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 removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."