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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

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

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."