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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."