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

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."