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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."