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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner 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 forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn 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 streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."