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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

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