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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."