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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to alter 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 displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."