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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, 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 the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."