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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."