🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."