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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

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

"We project starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has been hugely complex."