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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."