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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."