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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

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

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."