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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."