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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight 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 cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."