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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began 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 construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management 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 pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

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

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."