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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."