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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

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 artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."