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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."