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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."