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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs 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 stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."