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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

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

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."