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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."