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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."