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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter 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 signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

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 design.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."