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Along the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large banners on the scaffold to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to take down sections of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

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

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."