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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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 aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."