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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

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