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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms 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 development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

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

"We project starting to take down parts of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."