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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense 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 closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."