🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."