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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."