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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the structure near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

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

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