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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested 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 not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."