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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."