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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices 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 suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen 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 very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."