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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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