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

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it 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 sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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 design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."