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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."