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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."