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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."