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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."