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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."