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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."