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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."