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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

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

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" 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 design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."