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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath 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 another locale have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

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