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

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."