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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" 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 local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

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