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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work 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.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."