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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader 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 apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."