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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."