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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

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

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

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