The Situation with Edinburgh's Plastic-Shrouded Hotel?

Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the a designer banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."