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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated 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 earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption 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 an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."