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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."