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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."