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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."