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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."