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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands 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 are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."