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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts 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 corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."