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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced 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 inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."