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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local 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 "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."