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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."