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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."