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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile 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 single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."