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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

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

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."