The Situation with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."