The Ongoing Issue with Edinburgh's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

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

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."