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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, a prominent hotel on the corner of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers cannot book rooms, pedestrians are squeezed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the framework could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Figures from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said construction activity had compelled them to change the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "revealing" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We project starting to remove portions of the structure near the finish of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, lead of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

She said those working on the project had a "public duty" to lessen disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section very hard.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to integrate it into the street view or produce something more artistic and innovative."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by nearby inhabitants and shops.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the restoration required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the council would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I understand the exasperation of locals and nearby shops over these persistent hold-ups.

"However, I also acknowledge that the company has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."