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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist 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 frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement 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 an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."