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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist 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 structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

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

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."