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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."