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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

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