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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."