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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."