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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been compelled in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

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

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn 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 "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city very hard.

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

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."