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Along the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and establishments have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should integrate 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 a try to incorporate it within the street view or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."