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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."