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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."