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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former 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 shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."