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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."