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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have left the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its owners said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure close to the conclusion of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They added: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has been exceptionally difficult."