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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."