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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."