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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms 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 shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed 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 structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."