🔗 Share this article

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

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 building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."