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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon 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 pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions 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, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."