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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built 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 cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head 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 involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

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