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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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 transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."