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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

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

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the previous local government offices in 2009.

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

Work on the building started shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a city committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle parts of the framework near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we provide an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and businesses.

"This has been a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."