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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" 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 really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."