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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body 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 "public duty" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."