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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure 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 structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."