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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."