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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis 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 Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."