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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."