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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these continued delays.

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