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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."