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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."