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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

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

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

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

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."