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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced 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 owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

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

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."