🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers 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 popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate 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 an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."