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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

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