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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."