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Along the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's historic capital sits a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists cannot book rooms, foot traffic are funneled through tight corridors, and establishments have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

The city's political leader a council official has called it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the project.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

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

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

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a city committee in January this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the structure towards the end of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, director of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for urban works.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the experience for those on foot in that area of the city exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to bring it into the urban landscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the complexity and size of the remedial work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been exceptionally difficult."