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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."