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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity began soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

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

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

In a statement, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold near the finish of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or create something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The council leader said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."