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

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be hugely complex."