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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure 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 enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."