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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly 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 sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying 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 locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."