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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

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