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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, 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 minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."