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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."