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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."