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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

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

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."