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On one of the busiest tourist streets in the heart of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through confined passages, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work began in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Extended Timelines

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

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this notoriously protracted project?

A Problematic Past

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

Projections from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the development expense at about thirty million pounds.

Construction activity got underway shortly after the start of the coronavirus outbreak with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been closed off by the project.

People on foot going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

An eatery Ondine departed from the building and relocated to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said the ongoing project had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has hung large signs on the structure to inform customers it is operating as usual.

Missed Deadlines

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But SRM has said that is not the case, pointing to "highly complicated" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle parts of the structure towards the end of next year, with further improvements proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we create an improved site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, lead of heritage body the a local association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce inconvenience and should integrate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section really difficult.

"It is perplexing why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the street view or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We understand the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, demonstrating the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to finishing this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The council leader said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I understand the frustration of residents and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"However, I also acknowledge that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has been hugely complex."