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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold 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 "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."