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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street 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 Lawnmarket and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

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

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."