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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

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