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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left 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 "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

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