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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."