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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed 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 build cost 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 sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

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