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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began 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 main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."