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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."