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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official 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 Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."