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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking 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 develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."