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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."