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

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify 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 hung large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"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 extremely complicated."