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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."