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On one of the most frequented avenues in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a imposing sight of scaffolding.

For half a decade, the establishment on the junction of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Tourists are unable to reserve stays, walkers are directed through tight corridors, and businesses have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a short period, but now fed-up residents have been told the framework could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, 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 Jane Meagher has described it as a "eyesore" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "highly inconvenient".

What is transpiring with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

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

Figures from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

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

Part of the road and a sizable stretch of footpath leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

Seafood restaurant Ondine departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to modify the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to dining franchise a chain – which has displayed large notices on the scaffold to notify customers it is open for business.

Slipped Schedules

An update to the a local authority committee in the start of the year stated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would commence in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the framework near the finish of next year, with subsequent enhancements proceeding afterwards," a statement read.

"We are collaborating closely with all parties to ensure we create an better site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for development.

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

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that part of town exceptionally challenging.

"It is perplexing why there is not some attempt to incorporate it within the urban landscape or develop something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Project Response

A company representative said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

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

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This scaffolding has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of inhabitants and area enterprises over these continued delays.

"That said, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."