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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the core of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a giant structure of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

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

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

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

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started soon after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the work.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large notices on the framework to notify customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the exterior would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, referencing "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure close to the conclusion of next year, with subsequent enhancements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disruption and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

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

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more artistic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"However, I also appreciate that the company has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."