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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

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

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."