What's Happening with Edinburgh's Scaffolding-Clad Hotel?

Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the a designer banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

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

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."