🔗 Share this article

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged 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 remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."