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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

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

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement 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 Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."