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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."