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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance 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 a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."