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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure 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?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action 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.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."