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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."