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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area 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 a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."