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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."