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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long 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 sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of next year, 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 community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."