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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly 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 pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative 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 long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."