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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."