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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal 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 remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."