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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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 taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."