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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."