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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

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

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."