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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long 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 pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."