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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."