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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

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