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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to modify 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 hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, 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 reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."