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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate 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 incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."