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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

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

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

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

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

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."