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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

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

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has been hugely complex."