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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Construction activity began shortly 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 footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."