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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."