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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners 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 dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."