🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."