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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."