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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

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

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

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Project Response

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"However, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."