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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

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 associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."