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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart 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 covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem 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 obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."