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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers 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 a popular spot quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."