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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."