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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."