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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city 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 the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."