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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."