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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."