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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create 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 reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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 develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."