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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."