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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched 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 global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to remove sections of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disruption and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or create something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the restoration required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."