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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants 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 vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."