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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work started 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

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."