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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government 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 started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

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

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."