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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a few months, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

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

Construction activity began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery Ondine quit the building and moved to another city in 2024.

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

It is also hosts restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large banners on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

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

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a negative presence for years, and I share the frustration of inhabitants and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this remediation has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."