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

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."