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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."