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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

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 removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building 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 significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

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

In a comment, its operators said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An update to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would begin in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the exasperation of inhabitants and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has been extremely complicated."