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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."