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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."