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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."