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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer 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 not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

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

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises 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 repair has proved to be extremely complicated."