🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement 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 well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes 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 urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."