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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers find no available accommodations, walkers are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have vacated the building.

Restoration efforts commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless 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 first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and another locale have been required one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery a well-known restaurant departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, citing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to dismantle portions of the framework close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "public duty" to reduce disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more artistic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A official statement said work on "solutions to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

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

"This represents a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and scale of the restoration required, however we are dedicated to completing this vital work as soon as is possible."

The official said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of inhabitants and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the firm has a obligation to make the building safe and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."