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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building started 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 project.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

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

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."