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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."