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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update 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 end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been extremely complicated."