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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work started in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Work on the building started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

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

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

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

The official said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."