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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, 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 the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head 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 working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."