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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."