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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."