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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."