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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

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.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up 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.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."