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

For five years, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be taken down.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a city committee in early this year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove sections of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an enhanced site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They added: "We acknowledge the irritations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I understand the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a duty to make the building safe and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."