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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been hugely complex."