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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."