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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted 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.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."