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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."