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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, 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 "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."