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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved 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 persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."