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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."