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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

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