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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed 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 a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."