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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework 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 earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

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

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."