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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building got underway soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been closed off by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the setback.

"We project starting to remove parts of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we deliver an better site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader 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 exasperation of locals and local businesses over these continued delays.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be extremely complicated."