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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 construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."