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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."