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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

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