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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."