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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building began not long 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 footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

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