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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."