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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

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

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."