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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," 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, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."