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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled 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 placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of conservation group 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 "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."