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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We recognize the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."