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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon 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 pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."