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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."