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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."