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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."