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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."