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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch 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 Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."