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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."