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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."