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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and local businesses over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."