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Along the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital sits a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, a prominent hotel on the junction of a key historic street and the adjacent bridge has been a shrouded blight.

Visitors find no available accommodations, foot traffic are directed through narrow walkways, and businesses have left the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was originally estimated to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Extended Timelines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

A local authority figure a city representative has described it as a "blight" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

Background Issues

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old regional authority offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about £30m.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself not accepting visitors since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a narrow, covered walkway.

Seafood restaurant a popular spot departed from the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

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

It is also the location of dining franchise a pizza restaurant – which has displayed large signs on the framework to inform customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An update to the council's transport and environment committee in the start of the year suggested that the process of "revealing" the frontage would begin in February, with a full removal by the end of the year.

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

"We expect starting to dismantle sections of the scaffold close to the conclusion of 2026, with additional work proceeding afterwards," they said.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an better site for the community."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, head of heritage body the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "protracted" for construction projects.

She said those involved in the project had a "public duty" to minimise disruption and should incorporate the work into the city's streetscape.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that section very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not a try to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more creative and innovative."

Project Response

A project spokesperson said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They continued: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and businesses.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, reflecting the complexity and magnitude of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this vital work as soon as is feasible."

The council leader said the local authority would "continue to put pressure" on those accountable to wrap up the project.

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

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a responsibility to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has turned out to be hugely complex."