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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

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

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."