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Positioned on the most popular thoroughfares in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of construction framework.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Tourists find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was only expected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The construction firm, the lead company, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the structure can be dismantled.

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

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was constructed on the site of the old local government offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the Royal Mile have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been forced one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine left the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said construction activity had forced them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the scaffold to inform customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the a city committee in early this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the year's end.

But the firm has said that is incorrect, citing "extremely complex" building problems for the postponement.

"We expect starting to take down portions of the scaffold towards the end of the coming year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

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

Community and Heritage Concerns

A conservation official, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disruption and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the experience for those on foot in that part of town really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more creative and cutting-edge."

Continued Work

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

They stated: "We understand the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This represents a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the intricacy and magnitude of the restoration required, however we are focused on concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

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

She said: "This scaffolding has been a problem for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also acknowledge that the firm has a duty to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."