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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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