🔗 Share this article

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."