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Along the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's historic capital looms a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the corner of a key historic street and George IV Bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Tourists cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through tight corridors, and businesses have abandoned the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now fed-up residents have been told the structure could persist until 2027.

Further Delays

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the earliest portions of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has called it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

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

Projections from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about a significant sum.

Remedial efforts started 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 significant portion of footpath leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been closed off by the project.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and Victoria Terrace have been forced in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant a well-known restaurant quit the building and moved to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said construction activity had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "guests were entitled to a superior experience".

It is also home to popular eatery Pizza Express – which has displayed large notices on the structure 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 "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the contractor has said that is not the case, referencing "exceptionally intricate" building problems for the postponement.

"We anticipate starting to take down portions of the framework near the finish of the coming year, with additional work proceeding afterwards," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the public."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the Cockburn Association, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "slow" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

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

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "measures to beautify the site" was ongoing.

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

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, demonstrating the intricacy and magnitude of the remedial work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this essential work as soon as is practicable."

The official said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to complete the project.

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

"Nonetheless, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this restoration has turned out to be exceptionally difficult."