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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."