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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith 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 plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

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.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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