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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

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

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" 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 part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."