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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

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

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."