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Positioned on the most frequented avenues in the heart of Scotland's ancient city looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is going on with this apparently perpetual project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was developed on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been required in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot left the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had compelled them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of restaurant chain Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the a local authority committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the close of the year.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, citing "highly complicated" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove sections of the framework close to the conclusion of 2026, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," they said.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

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

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

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

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "solutions to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a extended and complex process, reflecting the difficulty and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

The official said the council would "maintain pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the exasperation of inhabitants and nearby shops over these continued delays.

"Nonetheless, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has been hugely complex."