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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties 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 reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."