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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated 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 not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."