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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."