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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the global health crisis 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 Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to lessen disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."