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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected 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 main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife 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 hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."