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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."