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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started 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

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has placed large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."