What's Happening with the Capital's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building began not long 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 junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."