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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work commenced 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.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."