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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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 large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."