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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."