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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

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

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."