🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."