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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."