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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold 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 "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former 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.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

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 year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."