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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre stands a monolith of construction framework.

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

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

The 136-bedroom hotel was developed on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted 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 coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

People on foot going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and transferred to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said the ongoing project had forced them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would commence in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the scaffold near the finish of 2026, with further improvements continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head 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 "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that section exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not a try to incorporate it within the street view or produce something more artistic and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This represents a long and drawn-out process, highlighting the intricacy and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and local businesses over these persistent hold-ups.

"Nonetheless, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be hugely complex."