The Situation with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon 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 intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."