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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."