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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."