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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was constructed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a release, its operators said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts dining franchise Pizza Express – which has hung large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a local authority committee in early this year indicated that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are focused on completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be hugely complex."