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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."