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

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."