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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."