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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."