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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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