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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected 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 primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."