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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

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

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

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

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."