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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

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

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be exceptionally difficult."