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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."