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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Work on the building got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the junction of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot quit the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had forced them to modify the restaurant's facade, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

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

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

"I don't understand why there is not a try to bring it into the street view or produce something more creative and cutting-edge."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We understand the frustrations felt by the community and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to completing this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the annoyance of locals and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a duty to make the building safe and that this remediation has been extremely complicated."