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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director 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 working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."