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

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

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

"We expect starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."