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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated 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 earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

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

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."