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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."