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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."