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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."