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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."