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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up 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 structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."