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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance 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 puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."