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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors 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 development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

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