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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."