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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been hugely complex."