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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."