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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."