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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has called it 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 developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Construction activity started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the framework to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to integrate it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This represents a extended and complex process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."