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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

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

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."