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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

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

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in 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 pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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