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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."