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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense 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 sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

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