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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."