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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

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

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."