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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader 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 apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."