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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."