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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up 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 earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."