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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of scaffolding.

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

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are funneled through narrow walkways, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Construction activity started not long after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been required single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant left the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a chain – which has hung large signs on the framework to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

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

But SRM has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the setback.

"We project starting to remove sections of the structure near the finish of next year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of heritage body the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"I don't understand why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or produce something more aesthetic and innovative."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They added: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."