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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and businesses.

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

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."