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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance 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 perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

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