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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."