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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."