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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."