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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."