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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants 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 scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

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

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."