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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be removed.

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

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the project.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment a popular spot left the building and relocated to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a release, its owners said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery Pizza Express – which has hung large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the a city committee in January this year stated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of heritage body the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

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

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that part of town very hard.

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

Project Response

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by the community and enterprises.

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

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

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

"That said, I also acknowledge that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."