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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework 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 removed.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis 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 development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

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