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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

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 sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."