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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled 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 hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."