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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

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

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."