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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain 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 structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."