🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."