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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."