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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" 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 streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put 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 inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."