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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, 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 minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."