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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."