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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."