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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."