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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."