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Along the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

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

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

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

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

In a release, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the delay.

"We project starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

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