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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Remedial efforts began 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 junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."