🔗 Share this article

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change 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 remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, 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 "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."