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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."