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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be removed.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon 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 pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been compelled in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

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

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the walking experience in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "ideas to beautify the site" was ongoing.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be extremely complicated."