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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

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

Work on the building started not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."