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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was built on the site of the former local government offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has hung large notices on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the façade would start in February, with a total takedown by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the setback.

"We expect starting to take down parts of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was continuing.

They added: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."