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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of scaffolding.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have abandoned the building.

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

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the lead company, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be removed.

A local authority figure a council official has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

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

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

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery a popular spot departed from the building and moved to St Andrews in Fife in 2024.

In a statement, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the exterior would start in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, pointing to "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the framework towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

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

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the a local association, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "slow" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and avant-garde."

Continued Work

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

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the complexity and size 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 accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This scaffolding 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 appreciate that the contractor has a duty to make the building secure and that this remediation has turned out to be extremely complicated."