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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

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 construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."