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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway 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 significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," 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 heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."