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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."