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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic 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 tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been extremely complicated."