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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

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

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."