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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

The city's political leader a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

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

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said building work had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle sections of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

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

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has proved to be extremely complicated."