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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

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

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

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

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

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."