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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."