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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."