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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started not long 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 pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."