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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."