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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

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 frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."