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

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader a city representative has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Construction activity got underway not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the street view or produce something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building secure and that this repair has been exceptionally difficult."