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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

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