🔗 Share this article

On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

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

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."