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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been extremely complicated."