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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, 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 called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."