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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

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