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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."