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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."