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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."