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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction 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.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."