What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffold-Wrapped Hotel?

On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We project starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."