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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built 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 build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."