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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

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

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

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its operators 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 scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down parts of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to 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 disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has been hugely complex."