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On one of the most popular thoroughfares 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 a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."