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

For half a decade, the establishment on the intersection of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the structure can be dismantled.

Edinburgh's council leader a council official has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

Background Issues

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts began not long after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its owners said building work had compelled them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has hung large banners on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a local authority committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But SRM has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with further improvements ongoing after that," a statement read.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we create an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, head of conservation group the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that part of town really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to bring it into the streetscape or create something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

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

They added: "We recognize the frustrations felt by local residents and shops.

"This represents a extended and complex process, demonstrating the difficulty and scale of the remedial work required, however we are committed to finishing this necessary work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

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

"That said, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be exceptionally difficult."