🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."