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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, 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."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

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 renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."