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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."