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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."