The Situation with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

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

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."