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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."