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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."