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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."