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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, 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 notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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