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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's ancient city sits a imposing sight of scaffolding.

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

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

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the scaffold can be taken down.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was constructed on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

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

Remedial efforts got underway shortly after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a tight, enclosed passage.

An eatery Ondine left the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had compelled them to modify the restaurant's appearance, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has placed large notices on the scaffold to remind customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the façade would commence in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the delay.

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," they said.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those involved in the project had a "obligation to the public" to minimise inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's streetscape.

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

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to bring it into the street view or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

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

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this essential work as soon as is feasible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a blight for years, and I echo the frustration of locals and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the firm has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this remediation has been hugely complex."