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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

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 corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to take down sections of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It is making the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."