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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

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 significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."