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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections 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 preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."