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

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

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

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."