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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."