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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

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

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

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been closed off by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant departed from the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to restaurant chain a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large notices on the structure to remind customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of 2026, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an improved site for the public."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

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

The official said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."