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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."