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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."