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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, walkers are funneled through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Estimates from when it originally launched 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 closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its operators said construction activity had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large banners on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "extremely complex" structural challenges for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the framework close to the conclusion of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are working closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

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

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to beautify the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and shops.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is possible."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be exceptionally difficult."