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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."