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

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."