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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."