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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."