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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The construction firm, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the scaffold can be removed.

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

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

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

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "revealing" the exterior would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove sections of the framework towards the end of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A heritage director, lead of conservation group the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

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

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve 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, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to completing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."