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Positioned on the busiest tourist streets in the centre of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of metal poles and platforms.

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

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are funneled through narrow walkways, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the structure could remain until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM), the main contractor, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be taken down.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is going on with this seemingly endless project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the old Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it originally launched under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts started shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a sizable stretch of sidewalk leading up to the corner of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Pedestrians going to and from the a nearby area and Victoria Terrace have been required in a line into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its operators said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's look, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to restaurant chain a chain – which has displayed large banners on the framework to remind customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year suggested that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would commence in February, with a total takedown by the end of the year.

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

"We anticipate starting to dismantle portions of the structure towards the end of the coming year, with additional work continuing thereafter," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an improved site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the Cockburn Association, 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 "public duty" to minimise disturbance and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that area of the city very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more artistic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A project spokesperson said work on "ideas to enhance the appearance the site" was ongoing.

They stated: "We recognize the annoyances felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, highlighting the difficulty and size of the remedial work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

The official said the local authority would "keep applying pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This framework has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the contractor has a obligation to make the building safe and that this restoration has proved to be extremely complicated."