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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."