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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed 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 development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon 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 sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

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

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."