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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

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