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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous 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.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."