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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding 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 first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Work on the building got underway not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

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

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."