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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have vacated the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the framework could stay in place 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 frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Walkers going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain a chain – which has placed large notices on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

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

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

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A company representative said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."