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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption 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.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."