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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant left the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."