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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts began shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group 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 "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."