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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense 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 section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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 section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."