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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."