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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."