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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."