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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left 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 structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."