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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure 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?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."