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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."