🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

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.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long 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 historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."