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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance 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 a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."