🔗 Share this article

Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the a fashion-branded banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

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 "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

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