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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

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

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."