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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city looms a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses 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 scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."