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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

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

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

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

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption 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 puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the street view or develop something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

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

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

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."