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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed 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 £30m.

Remedial efforts began 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 historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."