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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

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

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."