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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted 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 Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."