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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down sections of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the difficulty and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."