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

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

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

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."