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On one of the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

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 sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

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 full removal by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

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

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."