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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."