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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the 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 firm has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges 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.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."