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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."