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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."