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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."