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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk 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 forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."