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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change 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 hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."