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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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 dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."