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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's historic capital looms a giant structure of scaffolding.

For five years, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have left the building.

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

Further Delays

The construction firm, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be taken down.

A local authority figure a city representative has called it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

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

Construction activity started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of pavement leading up to the intersection of the tourist drag have been rendered unusable by the development.

Walkers going to and from the an adjacent district and another locale have been forced one after another into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine left the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had forced them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also hosts dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the frontage would begin in February, with a total takedown by the year's end.

But the firm has said that will not happen, referencing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the delay.

"We project starting to dismantle sections of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had reinforced the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot 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 avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We acknowledge the annoyances felt by the community and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the city would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."