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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began not long 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 footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."