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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."