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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn 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 minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."