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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."