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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long 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 footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city 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 understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."