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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

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

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

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

She said: "It renders 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 street view or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

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