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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."