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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."