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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

In a statement, its owners said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."