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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed 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 development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, 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 "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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