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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon 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 junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."