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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to lessen 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 some attempt to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."