🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."