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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work commenced 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.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

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 end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."