🔗 Share this article

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon 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 tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment 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 is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."