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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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 design.

She said: "It is making 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 urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."