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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."