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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure 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 initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council 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 echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."