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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began 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 intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."