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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the setback.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to 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 incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."