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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have left 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 structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district 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 another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."