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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."