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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the former Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would start in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been hugely complex."