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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the work.

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

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had compelled them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."