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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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 removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."