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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."