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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."