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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" 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 "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, 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 "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."