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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

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

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."