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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up 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 "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts 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 large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."