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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."