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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."